One of our absolute favorite wedding extravaganzas took place at the Waimea Plantation Cottages on Kauai with Alan and Lauren. When looking at these wedding photos, you will think this wedding recently took place. However, this wedding was in 2014! Alan and Lauren blessed us with their trust throughout the process, and the entire experience was incredible. The couple and I flew to Kauai for vendor meetings and walk-throughs, experimented with the event design, planned amazing surprises, and created an experience for everyone that resonated throughout the weekend's events. I even got to shop with the Groom to help him with his suit alterations! It was so fun being a part of every element of this wedding before that was a "thing" for social media.
The couple rented the Manager's House, which is mandatory to have the event on the large lawn area at this venue. Guests were given monogrammed welcome bags containing treats for the weekend. The Managers's House was the perfect central meeting spot for everyone to hang out all weekend.
GUEST COUNT 160
The Meet and Greet included all of the guests and was held at the property and took place after rehearsal. A casual BBQ where everyone could mix and mingle took place in one area behind the house as the tent was assembled on the front side of the house. The close proximity of the two events made it a little easier for me to go back and forth throughout the day to make sure one event ran smoothly while another one was being set up for the next day.
WELCOME BBQ: MAY 15, 2014:
*Food dropped off by Mark Oyama at 4:30pm, Dinner begins at 5pm at the Manager’s House
Korean chicken
Kalua Pork or beef teriyaki
Rice
Poke
Mac Salad
Long Rice, Chop chae or chow mein (some sort of noodle dish)
Family to provide the drinks, green salad, fruit and dessert
*Need some rentals from WPC
*might need a long table in the lanai of the manager's house for the food
On the Wedding Day, HAMU took place at the Manager's House while we set up the details, like these wedding favor/escort card vials of Hanapepe Salt for each guest. During the set up is when the Getting Ready photos were taken, as well. It's a busy day for everyone.
The sentimental ceremony took place at the famous Banyan Tree. Long White Orchid Garlands hung from the tree's branches, orchid heads designed a filigree aisle, and chiavari chairs provided guest seating.
Our 40'x120' tent was THE largest tent on the island of Kauai for this event. Between Martin Roberts and Kauai Tents, we were able to create a beautiful aesthetic. The table shapes varied in rounds and squares. Fabric draping dramatically improved the look of the tent's interior.
We had HIS and HER lounges, which were popular hangouts throughout the evening. The ladies loved talking story around the fire pit coffee table and the guys enjoyed their cigar bar and homemade Portugese Horseshoes. As you can see, these areas are dark, so they required a lot of extra lighting.
What happens when the Groom surprises his Bride with a surprise first dance? It started as normal, just a recording of her favorite song. But then...Na Leo was LIVE and she broke into tears. It was the most special moment and I was so happy we could keep this surprise for her!
The surprise continued when Na Leo sang her song with her dad for the Father - Daughter dance, and there wasn't a dry eye in the tent!
Entertainment continued throughout the evening with MC (and friend) William "Billy V" Van Osdol, Musician Mark Yamaka, and DJ Mike at Kustom Sounds Kauai. This crowd was all about the love and the fun. The vibe was amazing throughout the evening, as everyone was truly there to just enjoy the couple and each other. The 20'x20' dance floor was FULL!
This group LOVED the bar, which was a good thing because it was custom made for this event. So many signature drinks (I'll be your shot of Whiskey and you'll be my glass of wine), and so many shots. It was a fun time!
Can we talk about the food? Oh My Goodness! These guests were delighted to dine on Steak and Lobster prepared by Mark Oyama and his team of 22 from Contemporary Flavors in the catering area (we staged the scullery area at the car port adjacent to the Manager's House). Did they have room for this delectable dessert display? You betcha!
Chocolate and salted caramel macaroons
Pistachio macaroons
Miniature banana cream pie
Lemon meringue pie shots
Miniature lilikoi chiffon pie
Baby coke floats
Baby pineapple upside down cake
Our basketball star bride tossed (presented) her basketball instead of a bouquet.
Thank goodness this group had one more day together because it is all REAL love for each other.
Brunch the next day at the hotel's restaurant Kalapaki Joe's Waimea was the perfect ending to a perfect weekend.
VENDORS: Wedding Planning and Design Tori Rogers of Celebrations by Tori (then Hawaii Weddings by Tori Rogers)
Venue- Waimea Plantation Cottages Florals, Decor, Linens- Martin Roberts Designs @martinrobertsdesign
Photography-Ken Matsui Images Photography
Videography Aria Studios
Catering & Bar- Contemporary Flavors
DJ and Sound- Kustom Sounds Kauai
MC- Billy V
Photo Booth- Kilohana Photo
Beauty Services- Melody Levy and Shaina Nakahara
Guitarist- Mark Yamanaka and Group Musicians for First Dance and Father/Daughter Dance- Lehua Kalima and Shawn Pimental
Executive Portable Restrooms- The Professionals Kauai
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - -
This was the timeline for the wedding day: WEDDING DAY TIMELINE:
*Items to set up: Escort Cards with Kauai Sea Salt
Bar Sign
Signature Drink Sign (I'll be your shot of Whiskey and you'll be my glass of wine)
Dessert Bar Sign
Cigar Bar Sign
Menus
Ceremony Programs
CD covers
Social Media Sign #loandal2014 @kauaigrl10 @amiya1
Numbers for Frames for Table Signs
4’ table and specialty linen for ceremony (this table needs to be purchased on Kauai if hotel does not have one)
Beauty services begin and conclude Videography services begin and conclude
Flower delivery and set up
Caterers arrival and set up
Rentals arrival and set up Officiant arrives When do you want Billy to announce the farewell breakfast from 8am to 11am sharp?
??am Beauty services begin in the Manager’s House
HAIR AND MAKEUP: 7
Lauren, Kim, Kristine, Erica, Kylie, Naomi, Arleen
MAKEUP ONLY: 1
Candace
2:00pm Photos at Bride’s Location Bride getting ready (20-30 min)
Leave location
2:20pm Entertainment travel: HA394 Entertainer Flight arrives from HNL
2:30pm Photo Booth set up begins
3:30 pm Make sure to have flowers ready for photographs
3:30pm Photos: Lauren with Bridesmaids Lauren with Mr. & Mrs. Watase.
Alan and Groomsmen
Alan and Mrs. Miya
Alan groom’s portrait 4:00pm Photo Booth set up concludes
Groom's photos (Everyone dressed) 4:15pm Ceremony entertainment Mark Yamanaka (Slack Key Guitarist) begins (4:15pm- 5:05pm)
4:30pm End formal photography Guest Arrival, Greeted with arrival signature drink, directed by ushers to ceremony area, sign guest book
Bride goes to her mom's room to put on dress
4:45pm Guests take their seats
5:00pm Ceremony begins/Processional
5:25pm License Signing
5:30pm Guests enjoy games and cocktails/pupus
Waitstaff Passed Appetizer Menu 5:30 pm
Kabocha pumpkin potstickers, pumpkin seed pesto, balsamic glaze
Grilled lamp "lollipop" with tamarind and mint
Kauai shrimp corndogs, wasabi tomato jam
Mini spicy ahi taco, ginger scallion guacamole
Savory kulolo topped with braised pork belly
Guitarist: Mark Yamanaka Plays here from 5:30-6:15 pm
5:40pm Post-ceremony photos with bridal party and family 5:40 Immediate family - optional (10-20 min) Extended family - optional (20-30 min) 5:50 Wedding party - optional (10-20 min) 6:00 Bride & Groom portraits (15-30 min)
Location Portraiture Bride & Groom portraits (20-40 min) Wedding party portraits (10-20 min)
6:15pm Billy asks everyone to take their seats to begin entrance. Guests take their seats at the tent
6:30pm MC welcomes crowd, informs guests of restrooms, designated smoking area, lounges to enjoy, etc.
Happy Birthday to Mele, Christine, J C Mauricia, and Makanani
Bridal Party Entrance (Mark Yanaka plays during entrance) (Bridal party sits after announced)
Bride/Groom Entrance
First Dance (surprise band plays)
Parent Dances (surprise band plays) (starts with Father/Daughter dance
6:45pm Dinner service begins
Appetizer Course
Kiawe smoked duck breast, purple sweet potato coconut mash, roasted pineapple gastric, pineapple macnut chutney (li hing mui pineapple crisp garnish)
Kids Meal: Macaroni and cheese, chicken fingers, watermelon wedge
Mark Yamanaka dinner break. Surprise musicians play from first dance until approx 7:15pm
6:55pm Couple will probably want to leave at about this time for sunset photos
7:00pm Photo booth begins
7:11pm Sunset
7:15pm Wedding Toasts (champagne service)
Maid of Honor
Best Man
Banzai
Parents’ speeches
Couple says thank you and tells everyone to have fun (acknowledge family and out of town guests)
7:30ishpm Continue Dinner Service: Salad, Entree
7:30pm Entertainer Shuttle leaves for Lihue Airport (9:24PM - 9:56 PM HA 378)
8:45pm Video Montage
Garter/Bouquet Toss/Presentation
Dancing
9:00pm Dessert Bar (Placed on granite tiers)
9:00pm Entertainer Shuttle leaves for Lihue Airport (11:04 PM - 11:36 PM HA 324)
9:30PM Last Call
9:55pm Last Dance
10:00pm Music concludes
Photo booth concludes
Late night snack service
Hi Tori,
People are still talking about the wedding even after weeks since that special day. You and your team were there to guide us through the day until the magical wedding and reception. The day was perfect and the wedding ceremony was enhanced by the gentle breeze that made the dangling orchids and crystals gently sway. The guest were entertained as they feasted on the delicious appetizers. When the guests were escorted to the reception they were literally blown away at the sight of hanging chandeliers and the draping of the tent. The tables were beautifully set and were again surprised by the menu. Everything moved so smoothly because you knew to keep us on schedule so our guests didn't have to wait for an extended amount of time. That was very important to me. We couldn't have done this without you.
Thank you so much! Let's keep in touch!!!!
Candace (MoB)